Jeff's Posts

Infection after surgery - major scare Hi Everyone - I just wanted to share something I went through recently, as I haven't heard it discussed on this site. Last Sunday, 5/24, which was 3 weeks after my aortic repair surgery, I had a fever. At the recommendation of a nurse on-call I talked to, I went to the ER. I was admitted to the hospital and stayed until last Friday (5 nights total). I am fine now, but the fear was that I may have contracted a serious bacterial infection, such as endocarditis. I was put on IV anitbiotics immediately and, I endured numerous blood tests, CT scan, X-rays, pleural fluid test, over the week I was in the hospital. As it turns out, the doctors believe that I may just have pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium) or post cardiotomy syndrome (inflammatory response due to heart surgery). I am back home now, feeling pretty good, but still taking anitbiotics intravenously through a PICC line for another week. I hope everyone out there is feeling good. I am curious if anyone in the community has dealt with a similar situation. Keep on tickin' Jeff

13 Days post-op: I can't believe how good I feel. I mean, I don't feel perfect. I still am taking Oxycodone daily. But I never thought I would feel this good not even 2 weeks out. I sleep 7-8 hours straight every night. I take a few walks around the block every day. I'm up and about in my house. I can fix myself a simple meal. The post-op stay in the hospital was tough. There was a lot of pain and it took a bit to figure out what medications were best for me. However, after flying back home from the Cleveland Clinic, things have been going really well. I have a meeting with my cardiologist in early June. My plan is to start cardio rehab after that meeting and head back to work in mid-June. I think it will take some time to do the activities I enjoyed before the heart issue (lap swimming, mountain biking, running around with my little kids), but I'm confident that I'll get there. For those with upcoming surgeries, best of luck! You can do it. Go in with a positive attitude and I believe you, too, will be shocked about how good you start to feel. And to those recovering, I hope things are going well and you are experiencing little successes. -Jeff